Magical moments

White Christmas? Chances are rare, even in Colorado, of seeing snow on Christmas. But that's exactly what we got this year - yippee!! Wonderful day to stay inside with the family, cuddled up in front of the fire, celebrating.

We were plenty busy in the days leading up to Christmas. The girls decorated a gingerbread train, I got in some good weekend runs, we hit Christmas Eve candlelight service with Grammy and Papa Mike and baked a cake for Jesus' birthday.

Each year, the holidays get more and more fun with the girls. Emma was super excited about Santa coming on Christmas Eve. At one point, I went to check if she was sleeping yet. Our conversation:

Emma: Did Santa come yet?

Me: No, but he just called and said he won't come until you fall asleep

Emma: On his cell phone?

Me: yep, on his cell phone, now go to sleep

Emma: Mommy, Santa is SO magic.

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, I hope you and your family experienced some of the magic this year.

Recipes!

For those that have asked, here is the recipe for Spinach & Parmesan Couscous. I got it out of one of my cookbooks but Jennifer found it online and it's called Spinach & Onion Couscous, good stuff regardless - thanks Jennifer!

And Grammy's recipe for Monkey Bread:
3 pkgs buttermilk biscuit tubes (10 ct each)
1 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1/2 cup brown sugar
pecan (optional)

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees
2. Prepare Bundt pan by coating with butter
3. Separate rolls and cut each into fourths
4. Combine 1 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
5. Roll dough pieces in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat
6. Drop sugar-coated pieces into prepared Bundt pan loosely, do not squish
7. Combine butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture in a saucepan
8. Bring this mixture just to a boil; remove from heat immediately; stir
9. Carefully drizzle butter mixture over the dough pieces
10. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 min.
11. Cool slightly in an upright position, then tip pan over onto a plate
12. Serve warm; pull apart with fingers.